AMS Backup utility features

Our Aircraft Maintenance Systems (AMS) backup utility is normally used as a scheduled task that will automatically generate a backup archive and upload this to a remote FTP server. This explained in this link.  This publication deals with the program features that will assist users to manage the archives and restore data.

Utility usage

The lasest version of the backup utility can be downloaded free of charge from the server on this link.  When the program is executed from the menu option or from the Desktop icon, users can get detailed information on previous backup archives on a tree view display.

Note that the Summary section gives the latest backup information, to give users a quick overview if backups are generated as expected.  If users open the Archive section, information is displayed on the history of backup archives.

The screen above shows a backup that is available on the local backup directory as well as on the remote FTP directory.  Additional options are available if users double click on the branch menu options.  In this example users can test the archive by double clicking on the “File Name” option.  WinRAR will test the archive on the local backup directory and report any errors found in the archive.  Once the test is complete users will have the prompt to restore the backup archive.  Please be carefull as this will overwrite the existing data.  It is recommended to make a backup of the current corrupt data before an older archive is restored.  The other options available on this window is to upload the local archive to the FTP server or download the archive to the local directory.  Note that archives can only be restored from the local backup directory and not directly from the FTP server.

This next artchive example shows a backup archive that is not on the FTP server, but only on the local backup directory.  Users can use this branch menu option to test & restore the archive or to upload the archive to the FTP server.

Requirements

Please note that this utility must be installed on a PC previously loaded with the main AMS program.  Many of these features are only available together with the use of the 3rd party WinRAR program. 

Disclaimer

Although we have tested this utility throroughly and might assist with the implementation of the utility, users must regularly verify that the backup and restore utility program works as expected in their unique environments.  This is important as Aviation Databases can not assume any responsibility for the correct functioning of this utility tool.

T&ampT2003R8 AMS Upgrade

The latest AMS program upgrade v2.23.06 is available on the Avdex dedicated update server.  This upgrade includes various changes and fixes made over the past few months as well as report changes.  These changes simplify future updates and incorporates a number of client requests and suggestions that we have recently received.
A remote backup feature has also been introduced and is available to our users.  This allows users to have backups stored on a remote server.  (Read more)
There are two ways of upgrading.

 

1     Auto Upgrade:

For those users with version 2.22.00 or later, open 'Housekeeping | Config Options | Company' and select 'Download Update'.  A download window will open and the program will automatically download the latest upgrade file from the ftp site.  This download window can be closed when complete or will auto close five seconds after completion.  Later versions will offer to auto start the 'Setup.exe'.
If the program does not try to auto start the upgrade, exit and manually run *:\Data\Setams\Setup.exe (where ‘*’ is the data drive).

To upgrade the report templates, open 'Housekeeping | Config Options | Company' and select 'Download Reports'.  A download window will open and the program will automatically download the latest upgrade file from the ftp site.  This download window can be closed when complete or will auto close five seconds after completion. Manually run *:\Data\Setams\SetupReports.exe (where ‘*’ is the data drive)(only needs to be run once).

 

2     Manual Upgrade

For users on progran versions prior to v2.22.00 use the dedicated Web server to download the latest program.  Click here (Or type in your browser: http://vps3720.vmachine.co.uk/index.html)
Select 'Downloads' and download the ‘Setup.exe’ file to the *:\Data\Setams folder (where ‘*’ is the data drive).  Run the ‘Setup.Exe’ on the first PC and follow the install instructions
Please remember to close AMS32 on your PC when running the setup.  An error message most likely means that AMS32 is still open and cannot be over written.
Other users will automatically be prompted to upgrade when they next logon.

 

Make a Backup!

When complete, ask all users to exit AMS.  Relaunch AMS. If the file structures need updating, the program will display a warning.  Select 'File Structure' and select each file that is not OK and press ‘Update’.  When complete, Exit re launch AMS and select ‘Housekeeping | System | Data Files | Build Index’ and press ‘Start Indexing’.

 

Reports

When complete, go to ‘Housekeeping | Config Options | Company’ and download the reports upgrade by pressing ‘Download Reports’ Run the SetupReports.exe (only needs to be run once).